'When we open the doors you will be able to hear a pin drop. That's the plan,' Mr Lea told the Manchester Evening News.

He added: 'I suffered for many years with anxiety and I used to absolutely hate going into busy stores. If we can make a few small changes to give these customers a better shopping experience and make them comfortable then I know the store will be a better place to shop for everyone.'

The National Autistic Society said it welcomed the move as shops and other public spaces could be 'extremely challenging' because of fluorescent lighting, noise and the society anxiety and stress of fellow shoppers' social expectations.

Community campaigns manager Tom Purser said a quiet hour in supermarkets - usually 'the least autism friendly environment you can find' - was a 'wonderful idea' which could have 'a huge impact on the lives of people with autism and their families'.

Asda said it would monitor feedback from the trial and would consider rolling it out to other stores.